COUNTYWIDE : Holiday Treat: Helping Others : Fraudulent Charities Prey on Consumers
If a telephone caller wants a charitable contribution on behalf of the Marine Corps or the Salvation Army, the consumer should beware. Neither solicits by telephone, and Christmastime seems to bring about an increase in fraudulent charity schemes.
Officials at the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station say they have received several calls recently from people who were asked to donate to the blind through the Marine Reserves. The Marine Reserves collect toys but not cash donations.
“People take advantage of the naivete of the public and . . . our good name,” said Maj. James McClain.
The Salvation Army also has trouble at Christmas. People steal their bells or collection kettles and collect for themselves.
Maureen Williams, spokeswoman for Childrens Hospital of Orange County, suggests that anyone asked to make a charitable donation check out the charity before sending money.
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